DressClaire

Dress Claire is our bold new campaign to ask everyone to donate their unwanted clothes, or anything they can, to support their local children’s hospice.

Our shops across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and North Essex need to bring in more than £4 million every year and simply cannot without donations from local communities. That's why life-size cardboard cutouts of Claire, partially hidden behind a board, will greet customers over the next two weeks.

We need over 6,000 bags of donations a week to keep tour shops stocked. We care for your donations so that we can care for some 760 children, young people and family members across the region.Ian Nicholson, EACH Head of Retail

In February 2012, the lives of Claire Wright and husband Bob fell apart. Their 14-month-old boy, Jacob, had been diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. There was no treatment, no cure. He sadly died on 20th April.

Fast forward to just days after the seventh anniversary of Jacob’s death and Claire, 45, from Sutton, near Ely, is the star of Dress Claire. In Claire’s words, “EACH is a place where we can remember our beautiful boy, Jacob, with a tear and a smile. You never think you’ll be the one who needs EACH’s support, but when you do it’s something priceless”. You can read their full family story here.

EACH has helped us keep Stanley’s memory alive. And allows us to look to the futureBrad, Stanley's Dad

Children like Lucy don’t get the opportunity to go to sleepovers or to their friends for tea, so the interaction she has at the hospice is priceless.Heather, Lucy’s mum

We are also supported by the 24/7 True Colours nurses and it’s so reassuring knowing we can call on them whenever we need support or adviceHelen, William’s mum

Renee loves going to The Treehouse, but it’s great that care staff are also able to visit us at home too.Stacy, Renee’s mum

It’s been a great opportunity to meet other parents in a similar situation, something that doesn't really happen anywhere else.Helen, William’s mum

I didn’t realise hope was a gift until I became a mum. My little boy taught me many things and that was one of themClaire, Jacob’s mum

I really love going to the hospice. I’ve made friends there and get to do loads of fun stuff.Renee

EACH helps us to create lovely memories and has played an important part in all of our lives, not just Lucy’s.Heather, Lucy’s mum

I can’t imagine what it would have been like. Nobody should have to, every family should be offered the support we were, and are still gettingClaire, Jacob’s mum

When we first heard about the hospice we were apprehensive because we didn’t know what to expect. When we got there we realised it was a lovely place where Renee would be well looked after, and we would be able to have a much-needed break.Stacy, Renee’s mum

EACH helped us with coping mechanisms and special ways of remembering Stanley.Brad, Stanley's Dad

We arrived at the hospice feeling scared and alone. We had so many questions – they answered them all and more.Claire, Jacob’s mum

EACH supports families when they’re at their absolute lowest, helping them to come to terms with their child’s illness, losing them and beyondBrad, Stanley's Dad

The play specialists are excellent and I also get inspiration from the activities they organise.Heather, Lucy’s mum